China has carried out the maiden flight of the Tianma-1000 unmanned cargo aircraft, a new domestically developed mid-altitude logistics UAV, according to footage released by state broadcaster CCTV.
The initial test flight took place from an airfield in Shaanxi Province on January 10, 2025.
The Tianma-1000 is being developed by Xi’an Aisheng Technology Group, a subsidiary of China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), one of China’s largest defense conglomerates.
State media describe the platform as a ton-class unmanned transport aircraft designed for logistics, emergency relief, and deliveries to remote areas. The UAV is reported to have a payload capacity of roughly one metric ton, a maximum operating altitude of around 8,000 meters, and a range of approximately 1,800 kilometers. This capacity allows it to transport commercial goods as well as emergency supplies and relief equipment during disaster response missions in China.
Developers say the aircraft uses autonomous flight control systems and can operate with minimal ground support. Chinese media reports also highlight claimed efficiency features, including simplified loading and unloading and automated mission planning, though these have not been independently verified.
While China has developed numerous UAV types over the past two decades for both civilian and military use, the Tianma-1000 represents an effort to scale unmanned cargo operations into the ton-class segment. The platform is being positioned primarily for commercial logistics and government support missions rather than as an armed UAV.
The first flight comes amid growing interest in unmanned cargo aircraft globally, with several programs underway in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East targeting similar mission profiles ranging from e-commerce logistics to ship-to-shore resupply and disaster relief.